Tube sheet design for use in air separation modules

Abstract

An air separation module (ASM) is described herein that can include an outer shell having a first end, a second end, and a tubular outer wall disposed between the first end and the second end. The ASM can further include a hollow fiber membrane. The hollow fiber member can include a first tubesheet and a second tubesheet. A plurality of hollow fibers can extend between the first tubesheet and the second tubesheet. At least one of the first tubesheet and the second tubesheet can include a hygrophobic material.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An air separation module comprising:
 an outer shell having a first end, a second end, and a tubular outer wall disposed between the first end and the second end; and   a hollow fiber membrane comprising a first tubesheet, a second tubesheet, and a plurality of hollow fibers extending between the first tubesheet and the second tubesheet, wherein at least one of the first tubesheet and the second tubesheet comprises a hygrophobic material.   
     
     
         2 . The air separation module of  claim 1 , wherein the hygrophobic material is a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin. 
     
     
         3 . The air separation module of  claim 2 , wherein at least the first tubesheet or the second tubesheet further comprises a curing agent. 
     
     
         4 . The air separation module of  claim 3 , wherein the hygrophobic material and the curing agent are mixed together in a ratio of about 2:1 to about 1.5:1. 
     
     
         5 . The air separation module of  claim 3 , wherein the hygrophobic material and the curing agent are mixed together in a ratio of about 1.75:1. 
     
     
         6 . The air separation module of  claim 2 , further comprising an inlet disposed through the first end, and a plurality of outlets, wherein a first outlet of the plurality of outlets is disposed through the tubular outer wall and a second outlet of the plurality of outlets is disposed through the second end. 
     
     
         7 . The air separation module of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of hollow fibers form a hollow fiber bundle, wherein the hollow fiber bundle is to separate an instream entering the inlet into a first airstream and a second airstream. 
     
     
         8 . The air separation module of  claim 7 , wherein the hollow fiber bundle is to pass the first airstream to first outlet and the second airstream to the second outlet. 
     
     
         9 . The air separation module of  claim 7 , wherein first airstream comprises at least oxygen, carbon dioxide and water, and the second airstream comprises nitrogen.